North Country state senator turns down run for executive council

State Sen. Jeff Woodburn, D-Dalton, announced Tuesday that he would not run in a special election for the Executive Council in coming months, a move that surprised political insiders.

Woodburn, a freshman senator from the North Country, had been an intern for Executive Councilor Ray Burton years ago. After 35 years in the office, Burton died last week.

Gov. Maggie Hassan declared the filing period for the special election will begin next week. With Woodburn out, there could be a robust Democratic primary. Woodburn would hold one of the biggest endorsements.

In his announcement, Woodburn said that he could be serve the North Country from his senate seat.

"The raw size of this district, now encompassing two-thirds of the state, would require me to spent too much time away from home -- a place that I love, want to be and needs government to work especially after the loss of our strongest advocate, Councilor Burton," Woodburn said.